᛭Sasuke Uchiha᛭

The sun filtered through the forest leaves, casting small glimmering lights onto the grassy ground. The distant sound of running water and the soft chirping of birds made the place a perfect retreat for rest.

I was leaning against an old tree, my arms crossed behind my head. The fresh air lulled me gently, and the wind whispered through the branches, making me close my eyes. Everything was calm.

Or so I thought.

Above, hidden in the shadows of the highest branches, someone was watching me with a cold, calculating gaze. I didn't notice it immediately, but the silence of the forest became different... heavier.

A soft creaking above my head broke the tranquility. I opened my eyes slowly, turning to look up at the treetops, and then I saw it: a dark, motionless silhouette, with the gleam of dark eyes that seemed to pierce right through me.

It was Sasuke Uchiha.

I didn't know how long he stood there, watching me without making a sound. The wind stirred his black hair, and the sun, filtering through the leaves, barely illuminated his serene but alert face.

"How long have you been there?" I asked, still not standing up.

Sasuke didn't respond immediately. He lowered his gaze slightly, with that enigmatic air that seemed to hide a thousand thoughts.

"Since before you fell asleep," he finally said, his voice low but firm. "I wanted to make sure of something."

His words chilled me a little.

"Make sure of what?" I asked, without taking my gaze from his.

Sasuke leaped down the tree with a silent leap, landing in front of me. The shadows of the leaves danced across his face as he stared at me intently.

—That you were who you said you were.

...